Brendon Ayanbadejo, the Baltimore Ravens linebacker who has been an outspoken supporter of marriage equality in Maryland, said in a radio interview yesterday that his team backs his role as an activist for equal rights.

Roger Gooddell, the commissioner of the National Football League, said it was “healthy for our democracy” when professional athletes speak their minds on social and political issues like marriage equality.

After a wave of criticism, including an epic takedown by NFL punter Chris Kluwe, Maryland Del. Emmett C. Burns Jr. is backing off his denunciation of Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo’s support of marriage equality.

Earlier this week, Maryland Del. Emmett C. Burns Jr. denounced Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo for his support of same-sex marriage. Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe had some thoughts about Burns.